Sharing my tips and tricks for healthy and resilient skin
Today we are covering how I am combatting loose skin and weight loss, and how you can give your skin it’s best fighting chance
So we have taken on this amazing journey of weight loss and we are feeling great
We feel like this time we are setting new habits and really conquering this new lifestyle
But if you’re like me you’ve considered there could be, and probably will be loose skin
Especially if you have a significant amount of weight to lose
*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. All recommended products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Let’s Talk About Loose Skin and Weight Loss
First and foremost…
Do not let the thought of loose skin discourage you from losing weight
Your health and quality of life are worth so much more than extra skin
You are worth more than just your appearance
But with that being said I know that looking and feeling our best is important to us too
The truth about loose skin:
So the thing about loose skin is that we really can’t control it
If we have gotten to a weight were the skin is consistently stretched, it loses elasticity…
And the ability to go back to what it once was
Recognizing that is important to set realistic expectations on your weight loss journey
Everyone is different, some may have more loose skin than others
Even if they had different amounts of weight to lose
My end goal is a total of 85lbs of weight loss, so I have definitely considered how my body will look after I lose it
We Can Help Our Skin Out
Not all hope is lost though
In just a bit I will be sharing 5 habits/tips I am engaging in to give my skin the best fighting chance against loose skin
Practical advice you can start implementing immediately
These habits/tips ensure my skin is healthy and strong through this weight loss and fitness journey
And I hope this will inspire you through your own journey with weight loss and self care as well
But…
First and foremost we need to accept that our bodies most likely will never be exactly the same as they once were
Sh*t happens, life is wild
And that is ok!
See it from a perspective of self forgiveness
We cannot change the past, ever
We can only focus on the present and plan for the future, controlling what we can as we move forward
And change our habits for the better in an act of self love and self care
So let’s get into into it!
Here are 5 ways I am combatting loose skin and weight loss:
Strength Training
- Progressive Strength Training
This one is key
I know you can and will lose weight in a calorie deficit alone, but I insist you consider strength training for many reasons
One of those reasons being helping the appearance of loose skin
When engaging in strength training you will increase blood flow and oxygen to the body, which leads to good skin health
You will build muscle which helps smooth the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite
Progressive Strength Training will give your body more definition and more of a toned look
These benefits are going to help you look better in the long run and help you feel more confident in your new body
Need some inspiration to start your own strength training journey?
Check out my Interval Training for Beginners Challenge and Workbook
Gain confidence and consistency when embarking on your fitness journey, and it’s totally free!
Ok, let’s move on to the next tip…
Exfoliation/Stimulation
2. Dry Brushing
I absolutely love dry brushing!!!
First off… it feels sooooo nice! I am imagining it right now *heaven*
If you’ve never heard of dry brushing here is a great introductory video by LilyKoi Hawaii on YouTube:
Check out her video for in depth information into dry brushing and how to properly use dry brushing for skin health
So there are two amazing benefits to dry brushing that I feel are great for combatting the skins appearance
Those two reasons are:
Physical exfoliation: removes excess dead skin while maintaining your skins moisture barrier
This reveals new skin cells giving your skin improved appearance, also improving cell turnover
It also allows products such as moisturizer to be absorbed more effectively into the skin
Encourages Circulation: Dry brushing increases circulation and aids in lymphatic drainage
This promotes waste removal in the body and increases oxygen flow
Resulting in improved skin health for skin that is glowing, and resilient to all bullsh*t we throw at it!
If you’re looking for an affordable dry brush, this is the one I use:
Moisturization
3. Daily Moisturization with added Vitamin E Oil
This is one of my favorite self care habits (only second to dry brushing) 😉
I absolutely love soft supple skin! I mean who doesn’t?
and it is another way I am combatting loose skin
The trick is to add Vitamin E oil in your moisturization routine, as it has many benefits for healthy resilient skin
Vitamin E Oil:
So why am I suggesting adding Vitamin E oil…let me explain why
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, so it is able to penetrate deeper into your skin than water soluble products
This oil provides intense hydration to the skin, nourishing and restoring your skins moisture
Vitamin E is also rich in antioxidants and can help repair free radical damage
Helping to boost skins collagen production which helps aid in skins elasticity
It is a powerhouse of a product!
Add Vitamin E to your favorite moisturizer or you can add to carrier oils such as coconut oil and olive oil
Right now I am using Hempz Body Moisturizer with Vitamin E Oil I picked up at a local natural foods store
This Vitamin E Oil is very comparable to what I use: Jason Vitamin E Oil
Every time I shower, I do my moisturization routine afterwards so that it became a habit for me
Hydration
4. Increase H2O intake
We all know the importance of water consumption and how vital it is for proper bodily function
Your skin benefits too
There is debate on whether drinking water boosts your skins actual hydration (that’s why we want to moisturize)
But you can’t deny how many people swear by the power of water and how it improves their skin
We know that when people eat good food and hydrate they glow!
Because your body is getting what it needs
See it from this point
Our cells are made of water, they need the proper amount of it to do what they need to do
The more water you drink, the more it increases blood flow and lymphatic in the body
The more oxygen your cells receive = happy cells
Happy cells function better, happy cells LOOK better!
Drink up!
**I personally have a 32 ounce HydroFlask, I strive for 4 of those a day (which is a gallon)
Do I drink a gallon a day? Sometimes, sometimes not
But as long as we are trying!
Losing Weight Slowly
5. Slow Weight Loss
It is so tempting to go to the extreme and attempt to lose weight as fast as possible
Not only do you set yourself up for failure in regard to eating and healthy lifestyle habits…
you also could unintentionally cause extra loose skin you may not have had if you had lost weight slow and steady
Think of a balloon
You let all the air out all at once, you’re left with a deflated balloon
But let the air out slowly and consistently and the balloon reduces evenly and controlled
A bit of a crude visual but I think you get the point!
Slow Weight Loss Makes Sense in Combatting Loose Skin
Give your skin the chance to “deflate” slowly and recover as you lose weight by aiming for 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week
This slow and steady weight loss strategy allows your skin to renew itself appropriately and adjust to your body’s changes gradually
This gives you the best chance in reducing how much loose skin you will have
Also taking your time with weigh loss allows you to develop lifetime habits that stick
I understand once you decide to lose the weight you want it GONE, but you will thank yourself in the long run taking it steady
So, are you ready to start combatting loose skin and weight loss?
We made it!
So we’ve gone over the 5 tips/habits I am engaging in to combat the loose skin caused by weight loss
As we’ve established there is no magic cure for looser skin, and a lot is out of our control once the damage has been done
But I hope I have inspired you to take care of your skin during this weight loss process
Giving your skin some TLC and love will give your skin it’s best fighting chance to recover and repair
Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to comment below or find me on my Instagram @adiamondinthekale_co
I post encouraging content meant to uplift and support other women and men through their weight loss journey
and as always thank you for being here!
Until next time,
xoxo Mel
Want more content from A Diamond in the Kale?
Check out my other posts:
Interval Training for Weight Loss
3 Easy Habit Changes to Start your Weight Loss Journey
Five Positive Affirmations for a Weight Loss Mindset